Faith to Approach Jesus

Scripture: Having heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His robe. For she said, "If I can just touch His robes, I’ll be made well!" Instantly her flow of blood ceased, and she sensed in her body that she was cured of her affliction. Mark 5:27-29

Observation: Jesus performs many healings, but here we see a unique set of actions in the healing. Specifically, Jesus does not act. Jesus is walking to go somewhere else, and the woman sneaks behind him and clandestinely touches his robe. She is immediately healed, while Jesus is aware of the situation but is not entirely certain who has touched him or what of the circumstances of their need.

In other words, this healing is not about someone telling Jesus their need, and Jesus responding. It is about a person with so much faith they believe they can go to Jesus without expressing their need, and just by getting close to him they will receive blessing. The woman are entirely taken care of by her faith and her willingness to draw near to Jesus.

Application: I often lament when I do not "hear" from God. I wish I did more. However, this woman didn't feel the need to interact with Jesus. She knew that simply drawing near him in faith would take care of her situation.

I can draw near to Jesus - in daily devotions and prayer - and receive his blessings and love. I don't need to hear some words, for I can receive his guidance through my own faith. The point is to draw near ... to make the effort to approach the Lord, knowing that he is powerful and will provide. I do try to do this every day. My devotions have helped with this. More prayer would help more. Meditation on his word especially in the evenings would also help. These are disciplines I will continue to seek to improve my relationship with God, and to reach out to him in faith.

Prayer: Lord, may I be as humble as this sick woman, simply seeking to approach to you every day. I have faith that you can provide and bless and love, if I just come to you. I will find the discipline to do this more often, and in more ways, daily. Amen.